NATO’s Ankara Summit to Focus on Implementation, Defense Spending, and Support for Ukraine – AL24 News

NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska said the alliance’s summit in Ankara this July will concentrate on implementing previous decisions and producing tangible results. Speaking Monday at the Oslo Security Conference in Norway, Shekerinska highlighted that all allies agreed at last year’s Hague summit to allocate 5% of gross domestic product to defense spending by 2035.

“The Ankara summit will be focused on implementation and delivering concrete results,” she said, emphasizing that following through on the 5% commitment remains a top priority. Shekerinska added that an industry day will be organized to improve cooperation with defense companies and ensure additional funds are used efficiently. She stressed the need for increased joint procurement, deeper cooperation, and more innovative solutions to meet capability targets.

Support for Ukraine will also be a key focus at the Ankara summit. Shekerinska described the situation in Ukraine as “dire,” noting ongoing attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure despite peace efforts. She stressed that continued military assistance remains essential. Shekerinska also highlighted uneven progress toward the 5% defense spending goal, the importance of trans-Atlantic relations, and the need for dialogue among allies to address differences and align on shared security interests, citing NATO’s evolving approach to Arctic security as an example.